Avicennia marina is a mangrove tree with smooth and flaky chalky white bark when dry. Twigs squarish in cross section. Leaves opposite, simple, shiny yellowish green above and dull pale below. Flowers yellow. Fruits pale grey-green, compressed and broadly-angular.

Endangered

Mangrove Forest

Avicennia marina has an extensive lateral root system which spans many metres just below the soil surface, with the characteristic pencil-like breathing roots or pneumatophores that stick vertically out of the mud at regular intervals. These roots help the tree get enough oxygen as the mud is extremely poor in oxygen.

It is able to excrete salt by means of salt glands in their leaves. A small slit-like opening between the cuticle of the gland and that of the leaf is where the salt secretion takes place.

Prefers riverbanks, seawater lagoons or rocky beaches.

Cyptovivipary occurs in this plant where the embryo germinates within the fruit but does not enlarge sufficiently to break through the fruit wall. The seedling bursts through the fruit wall immediately after release and so can grow as soon as it hits the ground.

Avicennia alba. Avicennia marina differs from other Avicennia species by having squarish stems.

Timber is used as firewood.